— The Oconee Station State Historic Site will hold Revolution in the Backcountry, a history program that will show what the Revolutionary War was like for backwoodsmen who lived on South Carolina's western frontier.

— For more information call (864) 638-0079

3 p.m.-10 p.m., Seneca Fourth of July

— Gignilliat Community Center, Seneca

— Children's activities including inflatables and the Seneca Fire Department "Wall of Water"

— Sponsored by the American Legion Post 44 and the town of Iva, at the yellow ball field in Iva

— Food and beverages for sale with all proceeds going to Post 44 projects.

— Fireworks at dark.

— 10 p.m., Charlie T's By the Lake fireworks show

— Charlie T's By the Lake restaurant, Clemson Boulevard, Anderson

— The show is free and open to the public and is part of a Fourth of July Extravaganza happening at the restaurant throughout the holiday weekend

— Live music starting at 9 p.m. Friday and viewing of television coverage of racing from Daytona on Saturday night are among the other planned events.

What started as a group of guys shooting off fireworks from the back of a truck has evolved into a community celebration.

Homeland Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Wood said Fourth of July this year marks the fifth year the organization has offered its fireworks show for the public.

And another fire station in Anderson County will present a fireworks display tonight in Starr.

The Homeland Park event wasn't always open to everyone.

"To be honest, it all just started as a way for the firefighting family to come together and relax and set off a few fireworks," Wood said. "But after a couple of years it turned into much more."

Apparently, when you fire off fireworks in front of the fire station, people begin to take notice.

"We'd have people call and ask whether or not we were going to do it again this year, and whether or not they could watch," Wood said. "We just decided to make it a community event. It's a fundraiser for us, but it's also a way for us to give back to the community."

This will be the first year, however, that the fire department conducts a car show.

The day's events will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at the fire station at 3299 S. Main St. in Anderson and a nearby parking lot, beginning with the car show. Instead of registration fees, the department asks only for donations.

"We've got a couple of firemen in our department that belong to a few car clubs," Wood said. "We thought it would be a nice addition."

Prizes will be awarded in each of several categories at the car show.

Around 11 a.m., the department will start selling barbecue plates for $7 each.

From 1 to 8 p.m., the department will host a children's fun zone with face painting, inflatables and ice cream.

"This year we're also adding Simpson Security," Wood said. "They'll be there to do up to 200 kids' ID packets."

Finally, around 9:45 p.m., the fireworks will start, Wood said.

Last year, more than 5,000 people came to the evening-only event.

The festivities raised more than $5,500 and went toward the purchase of a fire truck. Proceeds from this year's event will go toward upgrading equipment for the 24-person, all-volunteer station.

Down the road in Anderson County, at the Starr Walking Track on S.C. 81, the Starr Volunteer Fire Department will conduct its annual fireworks display tonight.

Starting around 8 p.m., the department will use the walking track's sound system to broadcast patriotic music, said Starr Fire Department Chief Gary Shaw.

"People can come early and listen to music," he said. "They will come and park their trucks, cars and whatever … bring their blankets and folding chairs and just relax."

The fire department pays for the event with the help of the town of Starr, Shaw said.

"It's just something that people can come out and relax and see a good fireworks show," he said. "It's just our way of giving something back."